Covers

Rachael Cantu

Amoeba Review

03/18/2013

Rachael Cantu is an artist who has consistently displayed an extraordinary interpretative range as well as remarkable vocal prowess.

This 9-song collection of covers — which includes favorites like Active Child’s “High Priestess” and Tegan and Sara’s “Alligator,” as well as interpretations of classic songs like Ben E. King’s “This Magic Moment” and “Stand By Me” — illustrates Cantu’s broader pop palette and ever-increasing sophistication, both as songwriter and interpreter.

Cantu’s bravura rendition of Justin Bieber’s “As Long As You Love Me,” is powerful and energetic yet delicate, bringing the right amount of guitar strum and sophistication to your speakers, framing her singing perfectly. I’d say a definite treat for whoever’s on the receiving end of Rachael’s smoky, steamy vocals. What I enjoy most is its departure from a predictable formulaic structure that most ballads populating (and polluting) her genre are producing.

From beginning to end, the music enchants; the lyrics mesmerize and her presence alone is enough to make any casual listener an immediate devotee. Think of it like this: she’s the soundtrack to the seasons. Be it a cold winter night by the fireplace, or a fresh autumn walk with natural swaths of colorful leaves kicking about, her voice brings in accolades, giving even the sunshine a run for its warmth.

“What started off as an experiment with some new home recording equipment, turned into a return to my roots, a reminder of how I developed my love for songwriting in the first place: by learning to play the music that I loved listening to.” - courtesy of kickkicksnare